CVE-2008-1401 in Net Inspector
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the Net Inspector HTTP server (mghttpd) in MG-SOFT Net Inspector 6.5.0.828 and earlier for Windows allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in the URI, which is recorded in a log file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2024
The CVE-2008-1401 vulnerability represents a critical format string flaw in MG-SOFT Net Inspector 6.5.0.828 and earlier versions, specifically within the mghttpd HTTP server component. This vulnerability exists in the Windows implementation of the network monitoring tool and constitutes a significant security weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access. The flaw occurs when the application processes URI parameters without proper input validation, allowing malicious format specifiers to be interpreted during log file generation, creating a dangerous attack vector that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-134, which describes format string vulnerabilities where attacker-supplied data is used as a format string parameter in functions like printf or sprintf. In this case, the mghttpd server fails to sanitize URI components before using them in logging operations, enabling attackers to inject format specifiers such as %x, %s, or %n that can trigger memory corruption. When these malicious format specifiers are processed during log recording, they can cause the application to read from or write to arbitrary memory locations, potentially leading to stack corruption, heap corruption, or direct code execution. The vulnerability specifically impacts the logging mechanism where URI parameters are stored, creating a persistent attack surface that remains active as long as the HTTP server is operational.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-1401 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that can be leveraged for comprehensive system compromise. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges, install backdoors, or establish persistent access to network monitoring infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access or local network credentials to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for network administrators who rely on such monitoring tools for security operations. Additionally, the logging aspect of the vulnerability creates a potential for information disclosure, as attackers can potentially read sensitive memory contents or cause application crashes that could be used for denial-of-service attacks against the network monitoring infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-1401 should focus on immediate patching of the affected MG-SOFT Net Inspector versions, as the vendor has released updates to address this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected HTTP server components and restrict URI access through firewall rules or web application firewalls. Input validation measures should be enhanced to sanitize all URI parameters before they are processed or logged, implementing proper parameter sanitization techniques that prevent format string injection attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as exploitation typically involves executing malicious code through the vulnerable logging mechanism. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual log entries containing format specifiers or patterns that indicate attempted exploitation, while network administrators should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious URI patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.